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HEADQUARTERS FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, MO., S. G.,
Bloomfield, Mo., July 30, 1861-9 p.m.
Major General GIDEON J. PILLOW, New Madrid, Mo.:
DEAR SIR: I find it to be impossible for me to go to your camp to-night, as I promised this morning. A courier reports 400 Dutch at Greenville, and as they may be laying a trap for my Ripley County battalion, I must move to their support. The different departments in my division are yet in an embryo state, and my orders may all miscarry, unless I am about, to correct mistakes. I will go to you the moment I think I can leave my men in order, and, in the mean time, you can lay out the plan of the campaign with the light and talents you have around you, and you will find me ever ready to submit to your superior age, experience, and judgment. I am working for the cause, and am willing to work in any kind of harness, and in any part of the team, so you do not tie me behind the wagons. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you very shortly, and in the mean time consider me subject to your orders in everything.
Yours, most respectfully,
M. JEFF. THOMPSON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
P. S.-Not having heard from you to-night, I will defer my march on Hamburg.